Kettering, Flint celebrate at 'University Corner'

The Flint community celebrated the present and glimpsed into the future at the corner of University and Chevrolet during grand opening ceremonies March 22.

Einstein Bros. Bagels manager Nick Moorehead, Neal Hegarty, vice president of programs for the C.S. Mott Foundation, Flint Chief of Police Alvern Lock, Kettering President Robert K. McMahan and Flint Mayor Dayne Walling cut the ribbon in front of Einstein Bros. Bagels and the Flint Police Service Center on March 22.

Kettering University celebrated the revitalization of a historic Flint neighborhood during the University Corner Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Friday, March 22. A festive campus and community gathering officially opened the Einstein Bros. Bagels and Flint Police Service Center.

Kettering University President Robert McMahan was one of three keynote speakers during the formal opening of the two new facilities at “University Corner,” located at the intersection of University and Chevrolet avenues in Flint. The structure opened March 1 and was made possible by the generosity of the C.S. Mott Foundation and its ongoing dedication to creating a stronger Flint.

“Our campus and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as the City of Flint, are growing and developing in ways that herald a bright future,” McMahan said. “This addition to the campus is an example of our ongoing commitment to our community. It is a joy to see that this corner has already become a valued community resource. University Corner will serve as an appealing place where neighbors can come to mesh as a community alongside Kettering students – to make friends, build relationships, share ideas and nurture the cultural identity of our community.”

McMahan also said that with the addition of a Flint Police Service Center, University Corner will also serve to enhance coordination of law-enforcement and community members in support of community policing efforts.

Neal Hegarty, vice president of programs at Flint’s C.S. Mott Foundation, said that everyone at the C.S. Mott Foundation is very pleased to be part of Kettering’s celebration.

“To President McMahan and Kettering University, you asked us to partner with you in order to be part of the revitalization of Flint," he said. "And by changing the look and use of this corner, we have made great strides.”

Hegarty said that transforming organizations and communities in the Flint area is at the heart of the C.S. Mott Foundation’s mission. “We are proud to stand here with you today to celebrate one job well done – one of many to come.”

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling said he also wants to thank Kettering University and the C.S. Mott Foundation for working together to deliver the first Einstein Bros. Bagels in the City of Flint.

“I want to thank all of the volunteers from the community who will be putting forth time and effort to operate this new police service center," Walling said. "This center will provide critical support for our officers as they continue to work in collaboration with constituents to secure the safety of our neighborhoods."

“This is a truly great occasion for the whole community,” McMahan said.

Video of Walling discussing the symbolism University Corner has on Flint's revitilization:

Einstein Bros. Bagels is the nation’s largest operator of bagel bakeries. The Flint store is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., seven days a week. Retail Manager Anna Ward said the store has a fresh and updated look and can seat 56 guests.

“We have been very busy since opening our doors on March 1,” she said. “We have a lot of students who come over and bring their computers. We offer a café feel. About half who visit are from Kettering, and we’re very pleased that the community visitors now represent about half of our business.”

Einstein Bros. Bagels manager Nick Moorehead said business has been so swift that they are already considering extended hours for the Flint store.

“We’re researching extending the hours in both directions,” Moorehead said. “We are currently looking at what the work day looks like at the local hospitals. We didn’t think we would be considering extended hours in our first quarter.”

Flint Police Service Center

The Flint Police Blue Badge Service Center has opened next to Einstein Bros. Bagels. The City of Flint operates a number of such centers throughout the city to assist citizens with a variety of safety and security matters. The Blue Badge Service Center is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is staffed by volunteers. More volunteers are needed. Anyone interested in volunteering can visit the Blue Badge website to learn more about the program and complete an application. Applications should be emailed to Officer Tanya Meeks of the Flint Police Department [tmeeks@cityofflint.com]. Once approved, a volunteer will receive training and orientation from the Flint Police Department.

Flint Chief of Police Alvern Lock and Neal Hegarty of the C.S. Mott Foundation look around the new Flint Police Service Facility during a grand opening ceremony at University Corner on March 22.